Revenue Opportunities of Environmentally-Preferable Purchasing
(Includes: Image and Relationship Costs and Benefits and Marketing Benefits)
1. INCREASED COMPETITIVENESS OVER THE LONG TERM
EPP supports the markets for green products making them cheaper for us in the long run
Instituting a strong EPP program by first incorporating EPP criteria into the official County Procurement Code is a smart business decision. Since county dollars are slated to be directed in a more environmentally and socially sound direction based on previous legislation and the vision and intent of the Board of County Commissioners and the current County Administrator, it is a sound business decision to mandate all county purchasers to buy with EPP criteria at the forefront of their minds, thus helping the county achieve its goal while saving money because this will help shift the market share and reduce prices.
2. STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Sarasota County Government is actively planning for the welfare of its future citizens and the natural environment in which all businesses will operate. Proof of this is the 2050 Plan and the “Sustainability Resolution”, NO. 20-119. Both of these have the objective of working to properly plan for and protect the future environment of the County. EPP is part of this as it contributes to a sustainable future.
3. CONSISTENCY
If your organization has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability, environmental-stewardship, or social equity, it is very important to avoid publicity inconsistent with this desired reputation. Citizen or public pressure on your reputation is an external driver that affects many things including votes. (Global New 13)
4. PUBLIC RELATIONS
Eco-friendly attributes such as recyclability or non- toxic make products higher quality. Citizens are increasingly concerned with “pedigree” issues related to product origins. EPP products can increase product value and provide content for positive marketing campaigns, by informing tax-payers that their money is being wisely spent on higher quality products and services. (Global New 11)
High Performance Buildings
Examples:
o ING Bank, Amsterdam, The Netherlands: An integrated design team worked across disciplines for three years on their new building. Absenteeism has dropped and remains 15% lower than in the bank’s old building and is attributed to the improved work environment. Additionally, the building has done wonders for ING’s image. ING is now seen as a progressive, creative bank, and the bank’s business has grown dramatically. (Skylighting, case study 8, p. 12)
5. NEW SOURCES OF REVENUE
Green Tags
In addition to all the other benefits of solar PV systems, their extra cost can be offset by selling the non-polluting component in exchange for a “Green Tag”. This is then sold to another organization to offset pollution elsewhere. (Spire)
6. EPP IS A PERFECT MATCH FOR GOVERNMENTS WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE LONG- RANGE PLANS
Governments have the luxury of being able to look ahead, as they are not bound to the results of quarterly reporting. Thus, the life-cycle cost analysis technique is a great tool for decreasing total costs and increasing total benefits.
“Astute procurement requires a distinctive decision-making formula which reflects the government’s priority of the long-term over the short-term. This befits an institution which, unlike businesses, will always exist to enjoy long-term investments, and which, unlike businesses, is not solely responsive to short-term profit indicators.” (Lewis, p. v)
Committing to EPP is a smart business decision because it contributes to a sustainable future by attempting to safeguard our world and its resources for a healthy, prosperous, and equitable present and future for all the world’s people and businesses. |